Now I'm strong and I won't kneel/Except to thank who's watching over me

[fromfryingpantofire]

It had been a very long day so far. For Sam, that day mostly meant waiting, fidgeting with the present in his hands.

More than a few of the others had watched him as they waited, wondering what he was doing here and, more than once, Sam had found himself wondering the same. The Novaks were a family with a lot of wealth and a lot of connections, political and otherwise. He'd done his research. The family was full of Alphas and Betas, insinuated into massive companies and running more than a few of their own. They were old money and old power and most of those who had come to court were the same.

Not Sam. Certainly, the Winchesters were an old family, but they weren't wealthy by a long shot. They were involved in law enforcement, which wasn't exactly a rich occupation to begin with. Sam was going to law school, but his interest wasn't in making money but in helping people and putting away those who abused their positions and their power. But, long ago, John Winchester had made a promise to the Novak family because Mary Campbell had mated him rather than Michael Novak. That one of his children would be offered as a mate to the Novaks should there be a compatible one. It had been a sop, meant to quiet tensions between the families but nobody had thought much of it. Dean had been a Beta and Sam had been an Alpha and that seemed that.

Until the Novaks threw an Omega. Not unheard of, but rare. And, suddenly, Sam seemed to be the one Winchester with a chance, small enough though it might be.

He started when he heard his name called, pulling himself to his full height with the present clutched in his hands. He followed Zachariah Novak trying to ignore the feeling of unworthiness. He was an Alpha from a good line. There was no reason, other than money, to think he didn't have a chance here.

Comments

[freetobe]

"We could build something for you guys, though that'd take time. Small outhouse for some privacy, no one wants to hear newlyweds fucking, especially not the big brother, thanks."

They don't see Castiel the next day, when they drop off the signed contract. In fact, they only see the butler, who takes the contract. In the far distance of the mansion, they can hear Zachariah yelling at Castiel - no, he's not happy with the omega's choice in the least, and even less with the fact that he can do nothing about it. And even less with the fact that he's losing money because of Castiel's poor match.

The door is shut in their faces.

They don't hear anything from the Novak pack for a week, although the match is prominently announced in the papers without the Winchesters having been consulted.

The usual procedure would be several meetings at both main residences, the packs getting to know each other, wedding plans being made, the soon to be mates given the chance to bask in the pre-wedding glow a little - under supervision, of course.

That doesn't happen. Exactly seven days after the contact was dropped off, with no attempt from Zachariah to get in touch with the Winchesters at all, a car pulls up. Zachariah has the driver carry two bags containing everything Castiel actually owns, and almost drags the omega to the door by the arm.

When Ellen answers the door, he doesn't even wait to be invited in before pushing inside, telling her with false sweetness that he expects she knows who he is and what he's bringing over. He doesn't care who she is, clearly, and Castiel isn't getting a word in edge wise.

Ellen calls Sam immediately, makes sure he and the others know what's happening in their absence. Castiel, stiff and uncomfortable, clearly ashamed, stands stock still while Zachariah inspects his soon to be home with growing distaste.

Oh, he will have words for Sam Winchester, and Castiel, if he has anything to say about it, will have none.

[fromfryingpantofire]

They were on a job. Well, Dean and Jo were doing most of the foot work. Sam's in the library, doing research with Bobby. They're the best suited to this part of things, after all.

The librarian still glares at Sam when his mobile goes off, though he smiles at her apologetically before glancing down. Then he's up and out of the library, so he can have his conversation where there aren't so many prying ears.

It leads to Sam and Bobby abandoning their research and a call made to Dean and Jo to meet them back at the pack house. Of course Zachariah would arrive when Kevin was in class and Ash and Charlie were off on a call to deal with their computer business sideline.

Once they reach the house, Sam forces himself to at least seem calmer as he leads the others up the walkway to the pack house, opening the door because this is where he lives. "Mr. Novak. What a surprise to have you here. When we hadn't heard anything more from your pack about wedding plans or a meeting for the packs to at least meet each other, I wasn't certain what to think."

Oh, Sam has a copy of the contract in his office. Soon enough, he would have called Zachariah on it. But a week wasn't a lot of time, really, when it came to these kinds of marriages.

[freetobe]

Castiel keeps his eyes lowered dutifully. Sam... his future alpha, his future husband and mate... is not pleased. Castiel can't blame him, and yet he knows that in turn, he will be blamed.

It's why Zachariah has done this, Castiel is well aware.

His uncle just smiles at Sam, the kind of tight-lipped smile that only just passes as polite, while still showing great disgust.

"You are aware, of course, that the Novak family has a very tight ship to run. We can't drop everything to accommodate a wedding quite as easily as you can drop your work to be here, I'm afraid. You'll notice that the dowry, in turn, is very generous. My assistant would have called you shortly, but I'm afraid your mate has been getting impatient and was not going to accept any further delay. We will see his future living quarters now."

[fromfryingpantofire]

"I'm not certain that dropping our work was exactly easy. There are lives on the line, after all." The fact that he'd been called back from what could be incredibly dangerous for the women they're tracking because Zachariah is trying his best to throw his weight around? Yeah, Sam's not thrilled. "But I suppose, seeing as you only really need me here, Bobby and Dean and Jo can go back to what they were doing before we were called back. I'm perfectly capable of showing you around while Ellen and Castiel get his things inside properly." Because seeing them just thrown to the side like that made Sam's blood boil.

He takes a breath, letting it out slowly and reminding himself that baiting Zachariah won't help anybody. "If you come this way. I'm afraid that we were expecting slightly more warning, so to be fair to the rest of the pack, there's a cabin on our lands that Castiel and I will be using for the time being. Until such time as a larger home is ready." Is needed, really. The cabin would likely be enough for Sam and Castiel, though he'd definitely have to check with the other man before they settled there. "If you don't mind, it's not much of a walk from the main house. Just far enough so scents don't travel easily."

[freetobe]

"Your help can handle the bags. Castiel is not yours quite yet. I know you... pride yourself in handing things differently here, but the boy is a well bred omega, not part of the work force."

He snaps his fingers, and Castiel falls in line with a guilty but short glance towards Ellen.

"The boy should see where he sleeps tonight. You can attempt to sway him to your ways once you're properly mated. That reminds me, I'll expect the papers on my desk by the end of the week. I'm certain you've had enough time to plan for a proper ceremony in the past week, and the dowry money should be more than enough to finance it."

Castiel may come from a rich pack, but the message is clear - the Novak clan isn't willing to let the Winchester clan have any benefit from that before the terms of the contract aren't fulfilled to the letter.

The omega is too ashamed to even try looking at Sam at this point.

[fromfryingpantofire]

He'd wanted to leave Castiel with Ellen because he knew Ellen would help to soothe the Omega's guilt, which Sam can even smell from here. Ellen, luckily for Zachariah, has enough tact not to flip him off where he can see her, but it makes Sam fight down a smile. She was, after all, another mother to him.

"As a note, Mr. Novak. You are on my pack lands now and as such, will abide by certain rules. And among those rules is that you do not disrespect any member of my family, disparate as it may be. Ellen Singer helped to raise me. Call her 'help' again and I will see you off of these lands myself." The contract gives Sam right to keep Castiel, even without Zachariah's final say so. After all, the Novaks had signed the contract before ever sending it to Sam. He knows his rights in this. "Now, please. This way. The cottage isn't much, but I'm sure it's more comfortable for everybody here."

Without another look back, Sam takes off across the grounds toward the cottage that John Winchester had built when Bobby and Ellen had joined the pack, because of Jo. Though none of the three children at the time had presented, having been far too young, with three children there was a decent chance one would be an Omega. So, the heat cottage had been built. It tended to see more use by Omegas the Winchester Agency had rescued, to keep them safe while other arrangements were being made. It was small but tidy and well built. And fully stocked as of a few days ago. "Most meals will be taken with the pack in the main house. We're pretty close knit as a pack."

[freetobe]

Zachariah is smug about Sam's reaction. Mostly because he knows that Castiel is already beginning to feel like he's failing his future mate. That Castiel is already beginning to feel the burden and stress placed upon him with the sole purpose of making it impossible for Sam Winchester to fulfill his contract.

He's already spoken to Crowley. The man's not pleased, but willing to take sloppy seconds once Sam loses Castiel. And then the prize goes to Crowley. Let him think he's getting himself a proper brood mare, and deal with Castiel's shortcomings in that department. Zachariah won't care - not about Castiel's fate, at least, but about the prestige and money that match would bring his pack.

"It's... quaint," he says, and it sounds like he's saying it's disgustingly small and backwater. "I'm sure Castiel is very pleased with his life choices. Of course, you'll have to provide bigger arrangements over time. As per the contract and tradition, members of our pack will regularly visit. Not that we don't trust you, but it's only prudent to see how our young ones fare, isn't it just? And Castiel has so many older brothers who will be very interested in seeing how he's living."

They'll mock him, shame him, prod at his flat belly when everyone knows omegas should be kept fat with children. Otherwise, what is their point?

"I like your confidence. A man as full of principles as you would never let their mate get attached to a family they'd have to part with should the contract be broken, I'm sure. Confidence is key there. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if we had to arrange interviews and photoshoots with the major outlets within six months, to show the world what a fruitful union this proves to be."

Castiel wishes Zachariah wouldn't talk as if he wasn't very nearly barren. But Sam doesn't know that Castiel very likely won't conceive, no matter how long he'll be kept on his back, no matter how well he'll be knotted.

And Sam... Sam stands to lose everything here. The dowry will have to be paid back with interest if he fails to meet the contract, and damages will have to be paid spoiling Castiel.

He wonders if he made the wrong choice. It would have been easier to burden Crowley with all this, a man who doesn't deserve good things, instead of bringing all of this to Sam's doorstep. But Castiel isn't able to resist the siren call of all that Sam has talked about, and much less the temptation of those kind eyes and strong hands.

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Guests are received in the pack house." And there's no budging on that one in Sam's voice. "Our homes outside of that are closed to guests unless specifically invited to see them. They're also expected to remain in the public spaces of the pack house, as our single members of the pack still live there. But yes, there are plans already for a larger house. I will, of course, be expecting Castiel's input on the building."

Because it would be his home as well. There isn't a point in building the larger property if Castiel won't be comfortable there. "As for letting the pack get close to him? I don't see a problem in that. After all, I don't see a reason why he would have to leave."

Even if they can't conceive (and considering the subtle pressure that Zachariah is putting on the Omega, he figures the stress will make things difficult), Sam has no intentions of ever letting Castiel return to his old pack. He will find a wedge to break the contract open with. For Castiel's sake, if nothing else.

[freetobe]

For the first time, Castiel looks up at Sam. He seems surprised, suspicious, relieved, a conglomeration of emotion flitting across bright blue eyes. The omega's obviously not quite sure about his standing with his new family just yet.

Zachariah's smile pulls open further, a grotesque mask. "Why, then there won't be anything to worry about. Castiel, you haven't even said a word of greeting to your future mate. Go on, you've been taught manners. The living conditions might not be what you're used to, but that's no reason to be rude. You wouldn't want to anger your future alpha."

No, he wouldn't. Castiel has been told, in detail, about how painful is first knotting will be. He holds out hope that Sam will be careful, but the stories he's heard still make him nervous enough not to want to provoke any ill will between them.

"My apologies... Hello, Sam."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam raises an eyebrow at Zachariah. "It's going to take a lot more than a missed greeting to make me angry," he replies mildly. "Especially when others have been monopolizing the conversation." And, therefore, not letting the boy get a word in edgeways. The rebuke in his tone is entirely for Zachariah. Which, really, it's lucky that he's dealing with Sam. Dean likely wouldn't be as polite about it.

The look he turns on Castiel is bright and welcoming, his smile wide as he reaches out his hand in offer to Castiel. "Hello, Castiel. I am very, very glad to have you here." Because, no, he hadn't missed the emotions that chased across his expressions. But there's no way other than this to help him believe that he IS welcome and wanted here.

[freetobe]

A gentle little smile tugs on Castiel's lips. He can't help it, Sam's warmth is infectious in all the best ways.

He made the worst choice in the eyes of his family, marrying so far below his pack's status, but Castiel learned during the courtship that Sam is kind, considerate and full of respect. He could have knotted Castiel right there. It wouldn't have been considered rape - an unmated omega in heat is considered consenting by default. But the only thing Sam did was make sure Castiel was safe and that...

That is more than Zachariah has ever given him.

So Castiel reaches out to grasp Sam's offered hand with both of his. Zachariah snorts, making it clear what he presumes Sam is happy about - the promise of access to large funds once he's gotten Castiel with child. But Castiel thinks he knows better from the little time they spent together.

He thinks Sam would rather see him be much more than a trophy, one day.

It's a pity he'll have to disappoint him.

"I apologize for not being available earlier, and for inconveniencing your pack like this."

[fromfryingpantofire]

To be honest, Sam doesn't much care what Zachariah thinks. He knows that he's not the other man's first choice for a mate for Castiel. In fact, he's pretty certain he's near the bottom of all potential Alphas in the world. But it doesn't much matter to him because the one who does matter is Castiel.

"A little warning would have been nice, but only so that I would have been here to greet you when you arrived instead of making you wait." He raises his head, looking to Zachariah. "You are, of course, invited to take supper with the pack tonight." Though he doubts that Zachariah will. In fact, he's counting on it. Because there's somebody he'd really like to call to have supper with them instead.

[freetobe]

Zachariah seems a cross between amused and sickened by the display in front of him. He's butted heads with Castiel over this issue, made it very clear that the pack doesn't condone his marrying so far below their status. The Novaks haven't gained that status, prestige and money only to waste it on something as ordinary as the Winchesters. But the boy had been adamant. No amount of bribing or threatening had swayed him from the decision, no doubt a hormonal whimsy because he went into heat an all but climbed that walking lamp post called Sam Winchester. And there was nothing Zachariah could do about it, except make sure the unsuitable match won't last more than a single year.

The clock's ticking away. Castiel is on borrowed time and he knows it.

The less Zachariah has to see it, the better. He smiles that sickening smile again.

"I have other dinner arrangements, and Castiel will certainly appreciate the opportunity to get settled into this new... level of comfort afforded to him here, before you start breeding him. Do dust the place though, will you, it wouldn't do if you got our pup sick before he can fulfill his duty in your bed."

The discussion is crude, and Castiel feels uncomfortable with it. Yet at the same time, he's used to being talked about as though he's cattle. A breeding bitch.

"Remember to get those papers on my desk. And do make sure to keep us up to date on any offspring progress. After all... we're practically family now."

[fromfryingpantofire]

The place had been dusted and aired out entirely in the past week, so Sam let it roll off of his back. No need to get upset over it, after all. "The paperwork will be on your desk the day after next at the latest." There were things that needed to be done, after all. A procedure that...couldn't really be followed, thanks to Zachariah's demands. "You will be missed at supper, though. I know my brother was looking forward to having another chat with you."

He tugs Castiel closer, toward the shelter of his own body against Zachariah's glare. Because 'chat' wasn't exactly the word that Dean had used about talking to Zachariah again. "However. I understand that previous plans must take precedent. Which is why I'll do my best to call and let you know before we come to drop off the papers."

Another subtle stab at Zachariah's lack of manners. "Do have a safe trip home."

[freetobe]

Zachariah openly sneers at this, dropping all hints of pleasantries. He's had it to here with these insolent Winchesters, and the mention of Dean just sours his mood even more.

"Well I'm sure he'll be happy to continue molesting my nephew now that he's readily available. How fortunate that he's merely a beta. Speaking of... Castiel. I'll leave you to your future duties now. Do at least try to produce an alpha. It's time you stopped disappointing."

And with that he leaves.

In other families, there would have been hugs and tears and kisses, farewells and well wishes, gifts to the future couple. Zachariah simply turns and walks away, leaving Castiel standing beside Sam, a little stiff, a little awkward, not sure what to do with his hands, although his cheeks flame red at the reminder how Dean... came to his aid. Logically he knows that it wasn't something sexual and more of a... medical assist. That doesn't stop the pang of shame Zachariah was aiming to instillt.

And just like that, Castiel is forced to integrate himself into a new pack, a new... family, all on his own without time to learn anything about or from them.

"I must apologize, Sam. I know this isn't how it's supposed to go... I'll be a more dutiful mate than this in the future."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam watches Zachariah go without any of the satisfaction that he'd hoped for. Though there's definitely a small growl when he talks about Dean, but that's just an Alpha wishing to protect his pack.

Sam's not a usual Alpha in most respects, but he is in that one.

His hand goes automatically to Castiel's back, rubbing soothingly. A far more familiar touch than he's been allowed with the Omega before, but he remembers John doing it to Kate a few times when she'd been worked up. "Your uncle is no reflection on your ability as a mate, Castiel," Sam replies, finally looking down once he can hear the man's car pull away from the house. "And no, it isn't the way that it's supposed to go, but that's not on you, either. Your uncle's mad that he can't get me to kowtow to him just because he has money and your family has connections, rather than angry with him because your entire family has done so badly by you."

He takes a breath and shakes his head, before looking down at his hand and pulling it away. "Sorry. I shouldn't...I know you're going to be my mate, but I shouldn't take liberties with your personal space."

[freetobe]

That's almost amusing to Castiel. They will marry and consume their marriage shortly, yet Sam is worried about personal space now.

He's a good man like that.

A good alpha. Castiel thinks he's chosen well, and is glad that his feeling proves right - this wasn't an act in front of others. Sam really is just that warm. There is none of the grabbing and groping that Castiel would have expected of others.

So when Sam pulls back, he steps closer, right into the alpha's personal bubble. It's almost challenging, almost daring, such brash behavior from a young, unmated omega. Almost as an afterthought, he tilts his head, showing unblemished neck. Almost submissive, but not quite. Not quite. His uncle would slap him for insolence like this. Here... he can learn new boundaries, beyond what he knows.

"We'll share a bed," he points out.

[fromfryingpantofire]

It's actually refreshing behavior from Castiel. Away from his family, away from the watchful eyes of his uncle and cousins, Sam thinks he's getting a better look at the real Castiel. And yes, he's finding he likes it very much.

He bends, leaning down to press a kiss to the long line of neck that Castiel is showing. "We will," he agrees as he pulls away. "Though not until tomorrow night, after we're married." Sam pauses, then sighs. "I'm sorry that...it's not going to be a very big wedding. On such short notice, it'll mostly be a justice of the peace and the pack. I mean, we've had things planned as much as possible and there's a really lovely grove on the grounds..."

But it wasn't anything like what Castiel would be used to. He's marrying far below his family's wealth, after all.

[freetobe]

Castiel almost trembles. He's been kept chaste and "pure", never got to experience physical intimacy.

Even hugs are incredibly rare in his pack. People aren't affectionate. He's not sure how satisfied Sam will be with Castiel's lack of experience and knowledge, his lack of routine dealing with even small affections like that. But Castiel is determined to learn by example, to integrate himself.

If he only has a year to be happy, he'll soak up as much of it as he possibly can. He hums softly, content with the kiss and showing positive reaction to it. Sam won't own him... but he'll be Sam's partner. It's a dizzying concept. But if he has to lose it all, he wants desperately to have it, first.

"I'm grateful that your pack has prepared anything at all, Sam. With my uncle being too b-... with my uncle not reaching out to you and plan with you, I would have understood had you chosen not to do anything special at all."

he imagines this must not be what Sam envisioned when he courted an omega from a rich house, either.

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Your uncle is an asshole." The corner of Sam's mouth kicks up slightly in a half smile. "And entirely too used to getting his own way. For right now, I think it's safe enough to head back up to the main house. Let you meet Ellen. I have a few phone calls to make to get things sorted for tomorrow. Tell Dean that's it's safe enough for them to come back now." He knew his family well, after all. It had been prudent to get his brother and Jo out of the house when faced with Zachariah. Neither of them were good at holding their tempers.

"And of course we'd make it special. Just because it's short notice doesn't mean we can't manage something." He smiles down at Castiel as he moves his hand to the other man's back again. "Maybe later, when things have settled down, we can talk about another, larger celebration." At that point, there would be a lot worth celebrating, after all.

[freetobe]

Castiel nods - whether to the assessment of his uncle or in confirmation of Sam's suggestions is anyone's guess. Maybe both.

"I would like to make things right with Ellen. It's true that I've grown up with a large staff taking care of everything, but I hope I can carry my weight in your household."

Though he's still worried about it. There's a lot he doesn't know, a lot for him to learn. For now, he leans into Sam's touch. It's the first time they've been alone, truly alone, and Castiel isn't ashamed to admit that he's pleased with how he feels in Sam's vicinity. He's not sure it's love or instinct. But it's a good start at any rate.

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Knowing Ellen, you can probably make it right with her by allowing her to fuss for a bit. And don't worry, she'll teach you anything you need to know." Sam leans down, pressing a light, chaste kiss to Castiel's lips. "Come on. Let's head up to the house so I can get those phone calls made."

He starts toward the house, then considers. "I should probably tell you, since you might worry about it. The case we're working on is a runaway, not anything dangerous. Or, at least, we can't find anything that means she's in considerable danger. My earlier insinuation that women could be killed? Kind of a reminder to your uncle that just because he doesn't consider the work we do to be important doesn't mean that it isn't."

[freetobe]

Castiel looks up at Sam, relief in his eyes. He had been worrying about it, but had not been able to bring it up in front of Zachariah. He walked in here thinking his arrival had endangered someone - and while hearing this hardly makes it all well and good, it certainly assuages his guilt.

"I believed it at first. Thank you for letting me know... Your work is important." They walk side by side, arms occasionally brushing. "What rules will I have to follow, living here? I'd appreciate being able to avoid stepping on toes."

[fromfryingpantofire]

"There's not a lot of rules, really. Dean and Ellen are pretty much the only ones allowed to do any cooking." Sam glances over at him. "I'm pretty damned awful at anything other than cereal or toast." Sam had just never had a chance to learn how to cook, really. "We all tend to chip in where needed, though. We don't really stand on ceremony or titles here. Pretty much the only rules are that you don't go where you aren't invited. And that if the door to my office is closed, knock and try not to be upset if I don't let you in. That usually means I'm either deep into studying for law school or there's something sensitive that I need to concentrate on."

He shrugs. "I know it's not really what you're used to, but I hope you'll be okay with things."

[freetobe]

That... certainly is different, and it shows in the obvious confusion on Castiel's face. He's not sure if Sam is serious, but he must be. It's not that Castiel considers himself above such a way of living, it's just that... he's not used to it. To him, it's strange than an alpha, and the leader of the pack especially, would be willing and expected to handle chores. It's unthinkable in the circles Castiel comes from and yet... here it's normal. Here it's just something Sam does. Dean, too, as his second.

How strange. Not bad, just... very different. Castiel wonders how much help he could even possibly be. Wonders if Zachariah had it backwards - that he won't be the one sneering over the Winchesters because they're "poor", but that the Winchesters will sneer at him because he's spoiled.

"I chose you, Sam. And I chose you knowing being mated to you would be a drastic change in life style."